One year ago, he was one of five rookie defensemen who skated a regular shift with the NCAA national champion Bulldogs. Now, he's a seasoned blue line veteran who is looking to help get the University of Minnesota Duluth back to the Frozen Four for the third consecutive year.

That mission for Louie Roehl and his recently-minted National Collegiate Hockey Conference playoff champion teammates starts this Saturday at the NCAA Midwest Regional in Allentown, Pa.  Roehl, who has set or equaled career highs this winter for points, assists and shots while accruing ice time in all 38 games, is one of 16 current Bulldogs with NCAA Tournament experience and one of just five UMD skaters who has scored a goal in the NCAA postseason (in a 2-1 victory over Ohio State University in last April's Frozen Four semifinals).

HIS FAVORITES
Opponent: Minnesota 
Opponent Arena: Goggin Ice Center (Miami)
Road Trip: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Professional Athlete: Rickie Fowler
Professional Team: TSM (Team Solo Mid)
College Course: Interpersonal Communication
Pastime: Playing video games
Prized Possession: My national championship ring and my computer
Book (Author): Eragon (Christopher Paolini)
Television Show: Peaky Blinders
Actor/Actress: Ashton Kutcher/Jessica Alba
Movie: Goodfellas 
Singer/Group: Kid Cudi
Food: Pizza
Restaurant: Lions Tap (Eden Prairie, Minn.)
Video Game: League of Legends
Vacation Spot: Florida
Mobile App: Twitch

UP CLOSE
Why I Chose UMD: The hockey culture and my father played football here.
First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 4
Hockey Strength/Weakness: Keeping it simple/My size 
Game Day Ritual: I take a pre-game nap.
Most Memorable UMD Hockey Moment: Winning the NCAA title last year.
Best Player I've Ever Faced: (former Denver forward) Troy Terry
Pet Peeve: People who split the tape roll in half.
Biggest Fear: Dying
First Job (Age): At Fitness 19 (16)
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Kendall Jenner
Why I Wear No. 6: Jake Muzzin used to wear it for the Los Angeles Kings
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I'm named after my grandfather
Something I Never Leave Home Without: A hat
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I would be taller.
Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Racquetball
Influences on My Athletic Career: My sister and my mother
The Best Thing About College Hockey: Playing in front of your classmates.
My Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Don't ask questions, just put in the work!
Post-UMD Plans: I'm undecided at this point.